Control System for Augmenting a Portable Touch Screen Device

ABSTRACT

Presented is a control system for augmenting a portable touch screen device having integral processing capability. The control system includes an enclosure configured for encasing the portable touch screen device, an internal docking connector configured for communicatively mating with the portable touch screen device, and hard buttons. At least one of the hard buttons is functionally configured for use with an application program running on the portable touch screen device. The control system includes further includes a processor configured for converting button actuations into a digital format, and a first facility for communicating the digital format to the portable touch screen device via the internal docking connector. The application program is configured such that, during operation, the application program communicates the status of the one hard button to at least one external device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to hand-held electronic touchscreen devices such as smart phones, electronic book readers, and tabletpersonal computers, and more particularly to augmenting these deviceswith various external manual hard buttons and/or actuators andindicators for controlling remote devices.

2. Background Art

Touch screen smart phones, electronic book (eBook) readers, and tabletcomputers have become ubiquitous. Many such touch screen devices employa touch screen interface along with generic manual controls and/oractuators, while other touch screen devices employ a touch screeninterface alone.

The generic manual controls employed on a touch screen device aretypically configured to operate of the touch screen device itself orconfigured to operate specific applications executing on the touchscreen device, and are unavailable for controlling remote devices.

Although some touch screen interfaces are relatively sophisticated andincorporate advanced touch screen features such a multi-touch andgesturing features, touch screen interfaces are simply not appropriatefor all applications. For example, existing touch screen devices do notprovide dedicated volume control buttons that can be used to control thevolume of remote devices.

While such dedicated buttons for controlling remote devices could beprovided in the form of soft buttons via a graphical user interface onthe touch screen device, such soft buttons would occupy a significantamount of on-screen area, and thus reduce the on-screen area availablefor other applications.

Further, using a touch screen interface for repetitive remote controlfunctions, such as changing channels (i.e., channel surfing), forexample, is awkward and uncomfortable, provides significant stress to auser's fingers, and can cause repetitive stress injuries (RSI). Despitethese drawbacks, because of the graphic flexibility of the touch screeninterface, remote controls are increasingly being equipped solely withtouch screens.

Additionally, although users typically desire a remote control with alarge display, the size of the touch screen is limited because the userneeds to be able to hold the remote with one hand and input commandswith the other, free hand. Remote controls with large touch screens,such as with tablet remote controls, are difficult to hold with one handwhile inputting commands with the other hand. Typically, these largedevices must be placed on a table or other surface to be operatedproperly. Users have a natural inclination to grasp tablet devices witheach hand in an open precision grip, with the user's thumb finger abovethe top side of the tablet and the remaining four digit fingers on thebottom side supporting the tablet.

In view of the above-described issues, there is a need to integrate arelatively low-cost portable smart touch screen device with aspecialized control device employing hard buttons to produce a remotecontrol with the graphic flexibility of a touch screen interface and theergonomic benefits of physical control buttons, and which may be easilyoperated while being held naturally by a user.

Additionally, there is a need for such a specialized control device toinclude a dedicated power supply and independent wireless networkingcapability in order to avoid usage limitations based on the limitationsof the associated touch screen device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that both the general and detailed descriptionsthat follow are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictiveof the invention.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect, the invention involves a control system for aportable touch screen device having integral processing capability. Thecontrol system includes an enclosure configured for encasing theportable touch screen device, an internal docking connector configuredfor communicatively mating with the portable touch screen device, and aplurality of hard buttons. At least one of the hard buttons isfunctionally configured for use with an application program running onthe portable touch screen device. The system further includes aprocessor configured for converting button actuations into a digitalformat, and a first facility for communicating the digital format to theportable touch screen device via the internal docking connector. Theapplication program is configured such that, during operation, theapplication program communicates a status of the at least one hardbutton to at least one external device.

In one embodiment, the control system further includes an IR emitter,and a second facility for communicating the digital format to the IRemitter. The IR emitter is configured to transmit IR control commandsdirectly to the at least one external device.

In another embodiment, the enclosure further includes a front clam shellportion, and a rear clam shell portion.

In still another embodiment, the control system further includes anexternal USB connector.

In yet another embodiment, the control system further includes a USBswitch, a first USB wired connection between the processor and the USBswitch, a second USB wired connection between the internal dockingconnector and the USB switch, and a third USB wired connection betweenthe USB switch and the external USB connector.

In another embodiment, the control system further includes an audioconnector which mates directly to the portable touch screen device.

In still another embodiment, the control system further includes anauthentication coprocessor.

In yet another embodiment, the application program is configured forcontrolling home and office equipment, the application program providesa user with status indications related to the home and office equipment,and hard button actuations are communicated wirelessly from the portabletouch screen device in order to control the home and office equipment.

In another embodiment, the hard buttons are operable to adjust audiovolume and lighting brightness without navigating through subpages ofthe application program.

In still another embodiment, the enclosure further includes a wireddigital interface between the processor and the portable touch screendevice, and the wired digital interface device is selected from thegroup consisting of: CAN bus, Ethernet, IEEE-1394 (Firewire), RS-232,RS-422, RS-485, and USB.

In yet another embodiment, the enclosure further includes a wirelessdigital interface

In another embodiment, the wireless digital interface is selected fromthe group consisting of: IEEE-802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE-802.15.1 (Bluetooth),IEEE-802.15.4 (Zigbee), and infiNET™.

In still another embodiment, the wireless digital interface includes aproprietary protocol in the UHF frequency band.

In yet another embodiment, the wireless digital interface functions as acommunication channel between the processor and the portable touchscreen device.

In another embodiment, the wireless digital interface functions as acommunication channel between the processor and an external device.

In still another embodiment, the enclosure further includes an infrareddigital interface

In yet another embodiment, the control system further includes theinfrared digital interface is selected from the group consisting of:IrDA and RC-5 infrared protocol.

In another embodiment, the infrared digital interface communicates usinga proprietary protocol.

In still another embodiment, the infrared digital interface functions asa communication channel between the processor and the portable touchscreen device.

In yet another embodiment, the infrared digital interface functions as acommunication channel between the processor and an external device.

In another embodiment, the control system further includes an Ethernetinterface.

In still another embodiment, the control system further includes apower-over-Ethernet interface, and a power supply deriving electricalpower from the POE interface and providing electrical power to theportable touch screen device.

In yet another embodiment, the hard buttons further include an OSDnavigation pad, volume up/down, and dedicated function buttons tocontrol “mute”, “lights”, “home”, “guide”, “info”, and “exit”.

In another embodiment, the enclosure further includes an externaldocking connector configured for communicatively mating with a mountingstand.

In still another embodiment, the mounting stand is configured forsupporting the enclosure in space, is connected to an external powersource, and is further configured for providing electrical power to theportable touch screen device.

According to another aspect, the invention involves a control system fora portable touch screen device having integral processing capability.The control system includes an enclosure configured for encasing theportable touch screen device, and a plurality of hard buttons. At leastone of the hard buttons is functionally configured for controlling homeor office equipment. The system further includes a wireless digitalinterface.

According to still another aspect, the invention involves a controlsystem for a portable touch screen device. The control system includesan enclosure configured for encasing the portable touch screen device,one or more hard buttons disposed on the enclosure, and a communicationpath between the control system and the portable touch screen device.The communication path is configured for communicating controlinformation.

In one embodiment, the communication path communicates signalscorresponding to actuations of the hard buttons to the portable touchscreen device.

In another embodiment, the control information includes control commandsto be transmitted by the portable touch screen device to an externalcomponent.

In still another embodiment, the communication path communicates statusinformation corresponding to an external device from the portable touchscreen device to the control system.

In yet another embodiment, the communication path further includes aninternal docking connector configured for mating with the portable touchscreen device and a wired digital interface selected from the groupconsisting of CAN bus, Ethernet, IEEE-1394 (Firewire), RS-232, RS-422,RS-485, and USB.

In another embodiment, the communication path communicates controlinformation from the portable touch screen device to the control system,and the system is further configured for transmitting the controlinformation to an external device.

In still another embodiment, the communication path communicates statusinformation corresponding to an external device from the control systemto the portable touch screen device.

In yet another embodiment, the system further includes a wirelessdigital interface selected from the group consisting of: IEEE-802.11(Wi-Fi), IEEE-802.15.1 (Bluetooth), IEEE-802.15.4 (Zigbee), infiNET™,and a proprietary protocol in the UHF band.

In another embodiment, the control system further includes a wirelessdigital interface that functions as a communication channel between thecontrol system and an external device.

In still another embodiment, the system further includes a wirelessdigital interface that functions as a communication channel between thecontrol system and the portable touch screen device.

In yet another embodiment, the system further includes an infrareddigital interface selected from the group consisting of: IrDA, RC-5protocol, and a proprietary protocol.

In another embodiment, the system further includes an infrared digitalinterface that functions as a communication channel between the controlsystem and the portable touch screen device.

In still another embodiment, the system further includes an infrareddigital interface that functions as a communication channel between thecontrol system and an external device.

In another embodiment, the control system further includes an Ethernetinterface.

In yet another embodiment, the control system further includes apower-over-Ethernet (POE) interface, and a power supply derivingelectrical power from the POE interface and providing electrical powerto the portable touch screen device.

In another embodiment, the power-over-Ethernet interface functions as acommunication channel between the control system and an external device.

In still another embodiment, the control system transmits controlinformation to an external device via the power-over-Ethernet interface.

In yet another embodiment, the control system receives feedbackinformation from an external device via the power-over-Ethernetinterface.

In another embodiment, at least one of the buttons is configured toremain functional regardless of the operational status of the portabletouch screen device.

In still another embodiment, at least one of the hard buttons isconfigured for use with an application program running on the portabletouch screen device, and at least one other hard button is configured toremain functional independent of the operational status of theapplication program.

In yet another embodiment, the control system further includes amounting stand for supporting the enclosure.

In still another embodiment, the mounting stand includes an Ethernetinterface.

In another embodiment, the mounting stand further includes apower-over-Ethernet interface and a detachable wired connection betweenthe mounting stand and the enclosure.

In still another embodiment, the enclosure includes a front coversizably adapted to protectively fit together along mating edges aroundthe portable touch screen device; and the front cover includes an accessopening providing viewing access to a display screen of the portabletouch screen device.

In yet another embodiment, the control system further includes a batteryand a charging circuit. The battery and charging circuit are configuredto supply supplemental power to the portable touch screen device.

According to yet another aspect, the invention involves a control systemfor a portable touch screen device having integral processingcapability. The control system includes an enclosure configured forencasing a portable touch screen device, the enclosure including a firstportion and second portion, an internal docking connector configured forcommunicatively mating with the portable touch screen device, at leastone hard button functionally configured for use with an applicationprogram running on the portable touch screen device, a processor forconfigured for converting hard button actuations into a digital format,a USB wired connection between the processor and the internal dockingconnector, and an Ethernet interface.

In one embodiment, the application program provides a user with controlfunctions related home and office equipment, and status indicationsrelated to the home and office equipment.

In another embodiment, the control system further includes a mountingstand configured for supporting and connectively mating with theenclosure. The mounting stand is further configured for communicatinginformation received from the control system to an external device asCresnet control signals.

In still another embodiment, the control system further includes amounting stand configured for supporting and connectively mating withthe enclosure. The mounting stand is further configured forcommunicating streaming media received from an external device to theportable touch screen device.

In yet another embodiment, the Ethernet interface includes apower-over-Ethernet interface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures further illustrate the present invention.Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in reference figures of thedrawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosedherein are to be considered to illustrative rather than limiting.

The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale,emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principlesof the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numeralsdesignate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is an illustrative front view of a portable touch screen devicedisposed within a clam shell enclosure that includes dedicated hardbuttons, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative perspective rear view of the portable touchscreen device and the inside of the front portion of the clam shellenclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an illustrative perspective rear view of the portable touchscreen device and the front and rear portions of the clam shellenclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative rear view of the clam shell enclosure disposedin a docking station, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative block diagram of a plurality of remote controldevices in communication with a home automation system, according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative block diagram of the electronic componentsdisposed in the clam shell enclosure, according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 7 is an illustrative block diagram of the electronic componentsdisposed in the clam shell enclosure, according to another embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 8 is an illustrative block diagram of the electronic componentsdisposed in the clam shell enclosure, according to still anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is an illustrative block diagram of the electronic componentsdisposed in the clam shell enclosure, according to yet anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is an illustrative perspective front view of a portable touchscreen device encased within a circular clam shell enclosure thatincludes dedicated hard buttons, according to another embodiment of theinvention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS FOR THE MAJOR ELEMENTS IN THE DRAWING

The following is a list of the major elements in the drawings innumerical order.

-   -   1 enclosure (enclosing portable touch screen device 5)    -   1′ circular enclosure (enclosing portable touch screen device 5)    -   2 charging docking station    -   5 portable touch screen device    -   10 front clam shell portion (of enclosure 1)    -   12 internal docking connector (mates with portable touch screen        device 5)    -   13 external USB connector (mounted on front shell portion 10)    -   14 audio connector (mates directly to portable touch screen        device 5)    -   17 IR emitter (to transmit commands to external devices)    -   18 external power connector    -   20 rear clam shell portion (of enclosure 1)    -   21 external docking connector (mates with charging docking        station 2)    -   21′ external docking connector (mates with charging docking        station 2)    -   21″ external docking connector (mates with charging docking        station 2)    -   22 external docking connector (mates with charging docking        station 2)    -   31 hard button    -   31′ hard button    -   32 2-quadrant button (hard buttons)    -   32′ 2-quadrant button (hard buttons)    -   33 5-way thumb pad (hard buttons)    -   33′ 5-way thumb pad (hard buttons)    -   34 indicator lights    -   41 authentication coprocessor    -   42 USB switch    -   43 memory    -   44 POE interface    -   45 power supply    -   46 power supply (from POE)    -   47 power supply    -   50 processor    -   51 processor    -   52 processor    -   53 processor    -   54 processor    -   55 processor    -   63 Zigbee antenna    -   64 Zigbee interface    -   65 power supply (power from portable touch screen device 5)    -   66 Wi-Fi interface    -   67 infrared (IR) interface    -   68 Wi-Fi antenna    -   70 home automation system    -   71 lighting equipment    -   72 HVAC equipment    -   73 security equipment    -   75 keypad    -   76 wireless Wi-Fi gateway    -   76′ wireless Zigbee gateway    -   77 home theater    -   78 home audio    -   100 Internet    -   105 personal computer    -   131 first USB wired connection (to/from processor 50, 51, 52,        53)    -   132 second USB wired connection (to/from USB connector 13)    -   133 third USB wired connection (to/from internal docking        connector 12)    -   134 fourth USB wired connection    -   431 fast Ethernet channel wired connection (to/from        microprocessor)    -   731 wired digital interface (between portable touch screen        device 5 and processor 53)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated inthe drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe thesame. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scopeof the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and furthermodifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, andadditional applications of the principles of the inventions asillustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant artand having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered withinthe scope of the invention.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to”.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention involves augmenting a portable smart touch panelwith an external control system by disposing the portable smart touchpanel device, such as an Apple® iPad™ tablet computer, an Apple®IPhone®, or a Motorola® DROID® phone, or the like, for example, within aprotective enclosure (e.g., clam shell) that includes one or morededicated hard buttons and one or more means for wireless communication,and thereby forming a remote control device.

The remote control device accepts user input and is capable oftransmitting control commands to a plurality of controllable devices,such as audio and video components, lighting controls, and HVACcontrols. In one embodiment, the remote control device transmits controlcommands independent of whether or not the touch panel device is on, ora particular application is executing on the touch panel device. Inanother embodiment, the smart touch panel device executes an applicationthat complements the intended end-use of the remote control, such as agraphic user interface that functions as a control panel for an officeor home automation system or home theater.

The remote control, in various embodiments, utilizes communicationmethods known in the art to transmit control commands (e.g., key/buttonpresses) either directly to the controllable devices or indirectlythrough an intermediate device. For example, the remote control maytransmit control commands as infrared (IR) or wireless radio frequency(RF) signals.

Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, an illustrative front view of aportable touch screen device 5 disposed within a protective clam shellenclosure 1 and thus forming a remote control device 3 is shown. Theclam shell enclosure 1 includes a front clam shell portion 10 and a rearclam shell portion 20 (see FIG. 3). The front portion 10 of theenclosure 1 includes a viewing screen access opening 11 which isdimensioned and arranged to fit around the viewing screen of the touchscreen device 5 so that the touch screen can be seen while disposed inthe enclosure 1. The front portion 10 further includes dedicated hardbuttons 31, 32, a five-way thumb pad 33, indicator lights 34, anexternal universal serial bus (USB) connector 13, and an infrared (IR)emitter 17. In other embodiments, more or less hard buttons, lights, andcommunication ports can be included. In addition to the dedicated hardbuttons 31, 32, in various embodiments, the enclosure 1 includes one ormore optical finger navigation buttons and/or trackballs.

Referring to FIG. 2, an illustrative perspective rear view of theportable touch screen device 5 and the inside of the front portion 10 ofthe clam shell enclosure 1 are shown An internal docking connector 12 isdisposed on the inside surface of the front portion 10. The dockingconnector 12 is configured for electrically connecting/mating to aconnector (not shown) disposed on the portable smart touch screen device5 and enables a communication and power transfer path between theenclosure 1 and the touch screen device 5.

Referring to FIG. 3, an illustrative perspective rear view of theportable touch screen device 5, the front portion 10 and the rearportion 20 of the clam shell enclosure 1 are shown. The front portion 10further includes an audio connector 14 disposed on an inside surface.The audio connector 14 is configured to electrically connect to acomplementary audio port on the touch screen device 5. In someembodiments, speaker holes are disposed in an area of the enclosure 1that is proximate to a speaker on the touch screen device 5 so thatsound from the touch screen device can pass through the enclosure 1without being muffled. The rear portion 20 includes a connector 21 thatelectrically mates with a docking station 2, as shown in FIG. 4. Thedocketing station 2 provides a means for charging rechargeable batteriesdisposed in the enclosure 1 and the touch screen device 5. The dockingstation 2 also provides a communication link with the office or homeautomation system or home theater (see FIG. 9), and is discussed indetail below.

The front portion 10 and the rear portion 20 engage each other alongcommon mating edges and are held together using spring retention or podclips (i.e., clips). The front portion 10 and the rear portion 20 aremolded preferably of a high strength plastic material for both highimpact strength and natural decorative effect. The clips are formed ofhigh-strength stainless steel material for resilience and springiness.The front portion 10 and the rear portion 20 are thus tightly heldtogether and securely hold the touch screen device 5 without the needfor additional fasteners or connectors or adhesive. The enclosure 1 maybe easily detached and interchanged with components of different colorsand textures for aesthetic purposes, or for the servicing of componentsor batteries within the enclosure 1 or touch panel 5.

Referring to FIG. 4, as mentioned above, the rear portion 20 includes aconnector 21 that electrically mates with the docking station 2. Thedocketing station 2 provides a means for charging rechargeable batteriesdisposed in the enclosure 1 and the touch screen device 5. The dockingstation 2 also provides a communication link with the office or homeautomation system, and is discussed in detail below. The docking station2 further acts as a mounting stand capable of suspending the touchscreen device 5 (enclosed in the enclosure 1) in space at one of aplurality of angles, which allows a user to view and operate the touchscreen 5 easily.

Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, a block diagram of a pluralityof remote control devices 3 in communication with a home automationsystem 70 is shown. The home automation system 70 is in communicationwith, and controls, lighting 71, HVAC 72, security 73, a home theatersystem 77, and a home audio system 78. The home automation system 70 canbe configured and controlled via a personal computer 105, a keypad 75,and/or, as described in detail below, the remote control device 3 via awireless Wi-Fi gateway 76 and/or a wireless Zigbee gateway 76′, or theremote control device 3 disposed in the docking station 2, which is inwired communication with the home automation system 70. In someembodiments, the remote control device 3 can be used to connect to theinternet 100 via the home automation system 70 through either wired orwireless communication. In other embodiments the wireless Wi-Fi gateway76 and the wireless Zigbee gateway 76′ are combined into a singlewireless gateway device.

Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, an illustrative block diagram ofthe electronic components disposed in the clam shell enclosure 1 isshown. The electronic components disposed in the clam shell enclosure 1include a processor 50, a memory 43, a USB switch 42, a power supply 45,the external docking connector 21, which includes connections for USBcommunication and power, and the internal docking connector 12, whichalso includes connections for USB communication and power.

The processor 50 includes general purpose input/output (GPIO) interfacesthat are in communication with one or more keypad matrices, which are incommunication with the hard buttons 31, 32, 33. The processor 50 furtherincludes a USB interface in communication with the USB switch 42 via aUSB wired connection 131. The processor 50 is also in communication withthe indicator lights 34 and the memory 43 (e.g., RAM, ROM, EPROM). Inother embodiments, the processor 50 includes an on-board memory. The USBswitch 42, which is controlled by the processor 50, is in communicationwith the internal docking connector 12 via a USB wired connection 133,and the external docking connector 21 via a USB wired connection 132.The external docking connector 21 is also in communication with thepower supply 45. In other embodiments, the USB interface on theprocessor 50 is a USB on-the-go (USB-OTG) interface.

The power supply 45 includes a rechargeable battery and a chargingcircuit known to those skilled in the art and supplies power to all thecircuitry disposed in the clam shell enclosure 1. The power supply 45(i.e., battery) can be recharged via the external docking connector 21when connected to the docking station 2. The power supply 45 also allowsa charging current from the docking station 2 (and passing through theexternal docking connector 21) to pass through to the internal dockingconnector 12 and charge a battery disposed in the portable touch screendevice 5. Further, the power supply 45 can also draw power from thebattery disposed in the portable touch screen device 5 (through theinternal docking connector 12) to charge the battery in the power supply45 and supply power to the circuitry disposed in the clam shellenclosure 1.

Still referring to FIG. 6, one part or component of a softwareapplication (first application component) for controlling a home oroffice automation system (e.g., automation system 70) is stored in thememory 43 or in a memory on the processor 50 and executes on theprocessor 50. Additionally, another part or component of the softwareapplication (second application component) for controlling theautomation system 70 resides and executes on the portable touch screendevice 5. The first and second components of the automation systemcontrol application execute independent of any other application thatmay be executing on the touch screen device 5. Further, the first andsecond application components execute independent of each other.

The first application component executing on the processor 50 interpretsinput from the hard buttons 31, 32, 33, converts the hard buttonactuations into digital signals, and transmits the input (digitalsignals) to the touch screen device 5 or directly to the automationsystem 70, as described below. In various embodiments, at least some ofthe hard buttons 31, 32, 33 are dedicated control buttons with fixedfunctions, such as volume up/down, channel up/down, lights on/off, home,guide, info, exit, and/or mute, for example. These hard buttons executetheir respective control functions upon being pressed by a userregardless of the state of the touch screen device 5. In other words,these hard buttons execute their respective control functions withoutthe user having to navigate through control menus, or without the touchscreen device 5 being involved in any way.

Other of the hard buttons 31, 32, 33, are user configurable to controlvarious external devices (e.g., stereo, temperature, light dimmer, etc)and/or system control functions. In some embodiments, one or more of theother hard buttons are programmed to interact with a graphical userinterface displayed on the touch screen device 5, or control anotherapplication executing on the touch screen device 5.

The second application component provides the optional graphical userinterface displayed on the touch screen device 5, and includes softbuttons used for controlling additional components, devices, and/orfunctions. The second application component also receives input (digitalsignals from hard button actuation) from the first application componentand transmits the status of the actuated hard button (e.g., pressed)and/or control instructions to the automation system or to a particularexternal device in communication with the automation system via a wiredor wireless communication link. The second application component alsoreturns response/status signals (via the docking connector 12) that areused to control (i.e., turn on/off) the indicator lights 34 disposed onthe enclosure 1.

In one embodiment, during an initial device configuration and set-upoperation, the enclosure 1 is seated in, and in communication with, thedocking station 2. The processor 50 then controls the USB switch 42 toestablish a communication link between the processor 50 and the externaldocking connector 21. In this configuration, the processor 50communicates with an external computing device (not shown) through thedocking connector 21 and the docking station 2. This external computingdevice initially loads the first and second application components intomemory 43. Thereafter, the processor 50 controls the switch 42 toestablish a communication link between the processor 50 and the internaldocking connector 12. The processor 50 then installs the secondapplication component on the touch screen device 5. In otherembodiments, the second application component is installed directly ontothe touch screen device 5 by means known to those skilled in the art.

In normal wireless operation/mode (i.e., the enclosure 1 is not disposedin the docking station 2), the enclosure 1 is powered by the powersupply 45. Further, the processor 50 controls the USB switch 42 toestablish the communication link between the processor 50 and the touchscreen device 5 via the internal docking connector 12.

When a user wishes to control a function of a device that is incommunication with the automation system 70, such as muting the audio ofthe home theater 77, for example (see FIG. 4), the user simply pressesthe appropriate hard button 31, 32, 33 that is dedicated to, orprogrammed for, muting the audio. The processor 50 executing the firstapplication component captures and transmits the digital signalcorresponding to the mute audio command created by the user pressing themute hard button (e.g., hard button 31 or 32) to the touch screen device5 (via the connector 12). The second application component transmits themute audio command via a wireless communication link (e.g., wirelessWi-Fi gateway 76) to the automation system 70, which in turn transmitsthe mute audio command to the home theater 77.

Upon receiving the mute audio command, the home theater mutes the audioand transmits a response or status signal to the automation system 70.The automation system 70 then wirelessly transmits the response signalto the touch screen device 5 via the wireless Wi-Fi gateway 76. Thesecond application component executing on the touch screen device 5transmits the response/status signal to the first application componentexecuting on the processor 50. The processor 50 uses the receivedresponse/status signal to illuminate an indicator light 34 correspondingto audio muting being activated.

In normal wired operation/mode, the enclosure 1 is disposed in thedocking station 2 and powered by an external power supply. Further, theprocessor 50 controls the USB switch 42 to establish the communicationlink between the processor 50 and the external USB docking connector 21.In this configuration, the processor 50 executing the first applicationcomponent bypasses the touch screen device 5 and communicates directlywith the automation system 70. In other words, all commands from theenclosure 1 are transmitted directly (via the docking connector 21) tothe automation system 70. Likewise, all response signals are transmitteddirectly to the processor 50. Consequently, the enclosure 1 is capableof controlling external devices even if the touch screen device 5 isturned off.

In diagnostic mode, the processor 50 controls the USB switch 42 toestablish a communication link between the processor 50 and the externaldocking connector 21. In this configuration, the processor 50communicates with an external computing device (not shown) through thedocking connector 21. This external computing device emulates theoperation of the second application component, which normally executeson the touch screen device 5. In this configuration the digital signalstransmitted by the processor 50 can be observed and first applicationcomponent can be debugged.

Referring to FIG. 7, in another embodiment, an illustrative blockdiagram of the electronic components disposed in the clam shellenclosure 1 is shown. The electronic components disposed in the clamshell enclosure 1 include a processor 51, an authentication coprocessor41, the memory 43, the USB switch 42, a power supply 46, a power overEthernet (POE) interface 44, the external USB connector 13, an externaldocking connector 21′, which includes connections for Ethernetcommunication and power, and the internal docking connector 12, whichincludes connections for USB communication and power.

The processor 51 includes general purpose input/output (GPIO) interfacesthat are in communication with one or more keypad matrices, which are incommunication with the hard buttons 31, 32, 33. The processor 51 furtherincludes a USB interface in communication with the USB switch 42 via aUSB wired connection 131. The processor 51 further includes aninter-integrated circuit (I²C) (i.e., a digital bus) in communicationwith the authentication coprocessor 41 described below. In otherembodiments, the USB interface on the processor 51 is a USB on-the-go(USB-OTG) interface.

The processor 51 still further includes a fast Ethernet channel (FEC) incommunication over the FEC wired connection 431 with the POE interface44, which is in communication with the power supply 46 and the externaldocking connector 21′. When the external docking connector 21′ isconnected to the docking station 2, the POE interface 44 allows theprocessor 51 to communicate with an external device over an Ethernetconnection.

The processor 51 is also in communication with the indicator lights 34and the memory 43 (e.g., RAM, ROM, EPROM). In other embodiments, theprocessor 51 includes an on-board memory. The USB switch 42 is incommunication with the internal docking connector 12 via a USB wiredconnection 133, and the USB connector 13 via a USB wired connection 132.

The power supply 46 includes a rechargeable battery and a chargingcircuit known to those skilled in the art and supplies power to all thecircuitry disposed in the clam shell enclosure 1. When the enclosure 1is disposed in the docking station 2, the POE interface 44 allowscurrent from the Ethernet connection to pass to the power supply 46 andcharge the battery therein. The POE interface 44 also allows currentfrom the Ethernet connection to pass to the touch screen device 5 (viathe internal docking connector 12) to charge a battery disposed therein.Further, the power supply 46 can also draw power from the batterydisposed in the portable touch screen device 5 (through the internaldocking connector 12) to charge the battery in the power supply 46 andsupply power to the circuitry disposed in the clam shell enclosure 1.

The external USB connector 13 functions as a diagnostic port. When thesecond application component residing and executing on the touch screendevice 5 needs to be installed, updated, or debugged, an externaldiagnostic computer is connected to the external USB connector 13, andthe processor 51 switches the USB switch 42 to establish a connectionbetween the external diagnostic computer and the touch screen device 5(through the internal docking connector 12). The external diagnosticcomputer can then install or update the second application component.The external diagnostic computer can also emulate the signals producedby the hard buttons 31, 32, 33 and the first application componentexecuting on the processor 52 in the enclosure 1, and transmit thesesignals to the touch screen device 5, and receive responses from thetouch screen device 5. In this way, the second application component canbe debugged.

The authentication coprocessor 41 is an encryption chip licensed fromApple, Inc., that is included in devices that are officially licensed tocommunicate with Apple® products. Consequently, if the portable touchscreen device 5 were an Apple® iPad™ or Apple® iPod™, then the enclosure1 would need an authentication coprocessor 41 to function correctly withthe iPad. In operation, after the portable touch screen device 5 (i.e.,iPad) and the clam shell enclosure 1 were connected together (via theinternal docking connector 12), the portable touch screen device 5 wouldinterrogate the clam shell enclosure 1 to verify (by communicating withthe authentication coprocessor 41) that the enclosure 1 was a productofficially licensed to communicate with the portable touch screen device5. In this embodiment, the external USB connector 13 functions as a syncport through which the iPad or iPod can sync with Apple® iTunes™.

In one embodiment, during an initial device configuration and set-upoperation, the enclosure 1 is seated in, and in communication with, thedocking station 2. In this configuration, the processor 51 communicateswith an external computing device (not shown) through the dockingconnector 21′ and the docking station 2. This external computing deviceinitially loads the first and second application components into memory43. Thereafter, the processor 51 controls the switch 42 to establish acommunication link between the processor 51 and the internal dockingconnector 12. The processor 51 then installs the second applicationcomponent on the touch screen device 5.

In another embodiment, the processor 51 can control the USB switch 42 toestablish a communication link between the internal docking connector 12and the external USB connector 13. In this configuration, the touchscreen device 5 communicates with an external computing device (notshown). This external computing device installs the second applicationcomponent onto the touch screen device 5. In still another embodiment,the second application component is installed directly onto the touchscreen device 5 by means known to those skilled in the art.

In normal wireless operation/mode (i.e., the enclosure 1 is not disposedin the docking station 2), the enclosure 1 is powered by the powersupply 46. Further, the processor 51 controls the USB switch 42 toestablish the communication link between the processor 51 and the touchscreen device 5 via the internal docking connector 12.

When a user wishes to control a function of a device that is incommunication with the automation system 70, such as muting the audio ofthe home theater 77, for example (see FIG. 4), the user simply pressesthe appropriate hard button 31, 32, 33 that is dedicated to, orprogrammed for, muting the audio. The processor 51 executing the firstapplication component captures and transmits the digital signalcorresponding to the mute audio command created by the user pressing themute hard button (e.g., hard button 31 or 32) to the touch screen device5 (via the connector 12). The second application component transmits themute audio command via a wireless communication link (e.g., wirelessWi-Fi gateway 76) to the automation system 70, which in turn transmitsthe mute audio command to the home theater 77.

Upon receiving the mute audio command, the home theater mutes the audioand transmits a response or status signal to the automation system 70.The automation system 70 then wirelessly transmits the response signalto the touch screen device 5 via the wireless Wi-Fi gateway 76. Thesecond application component executing on the touch screen device 5transmits the response signal to the first application componentexecuting on the processor 51. The processor 51 uses the receivedresponse signal to illuminate an indicator light 34 corresponding toaudio muting being activated.

In normal wired operation/mode, the enclosure 1 is disposed in thedocking station 2 and powered by an external power supply. In thisconfiguration, the processor 51 executing the first applicationcomponent bypasses the touch screen device 5 and communicates directlywith the automation system 70 via the Ethernet connection on theexternal docking connector 21′. In other words, all commands from theenclosure 1 are transmitted directly (via the docking connector 21′) tothe automation system 70. Likewise, all response signals are transmitteddirectly to the processor 51. In this configuration, since controllingthe external device does not involve using the touch screen device 5,the enclosure 1 can control the external device even if the touch screendevice 5 is turned off.

Alternatively, the processor 51 can control the USB switch 42 toestablish the communication link between the processor 51 and theexternal docking connector 21′. In this configuration, the processor 51and the touch screen device 5 function as described above with respectto normal wireless mode.

Referring to FIG. 8, in still another embodiment, an illustrative blockdiagram of the electronic components disposed in the clam shellenclosure 1 is shown. The electronic components disposed in the clamshell enclosure 1 include a processor 52, the authentication coprocessor41, the memory 43, the USB switch 42, a power supply 65, a Zigbeeinterface 64 in communication with a Zigbee antenna 63, the USBconnector 13, the internal docking connector 12, which also includesconnections for USB communication and power, and an external dockingconnector 21″, which includes connections for power.

The processor 52 includes general purpose input/output (GPIO) interfacesthat are in communication with one or more keypad matrices, which are incommunication with the hard buttons 31, 32, 33. The processor 52 furtherincludes a USB interface in communication with the USB switch 42 via aUSB wired connection 131. The processor 52 further includes aninter-integrated circuit (I²C) (i.e., a digital bus) in communicationwith the authentication coprocessor 41. The processor 52 still furtherincludes a serial peripheral interface (SPI) in communication with theZigbee interface 64. In other embodiments, the USB interface on theprocessor 52 is a USB on-the-go (USB-OTG) interface.

The processor 52 is also in communication with the indicator lights 34and the memory 43 (e.g., RAM, ROM, EPROM). In other embodiments, theprocessor 52 includes an on-board memory. The USB switch 42 is incommunication with the internal docking connector 12 via a USB wiredconnection 133, and the USB connector 13 via a USB wired connection 132.The authentication coprocessor 41 and the external USB connector 13 bothfunction as previously described above with respect to the embodimentshown in FIG. 7.

The power supply 65 includes a rechargeable battery and a chargingcircuit known to those skilled in the art and supplies power to all thecircuitry disposed in the clam shell enclosure 1. When the enclosure 1is disposed in the docking station 2, current passes to the power supply65 (via connector 21″) and charges the battery therein. Current alsopasses to the touch screen device 5 (via the internal docking connector12) to charge a battery disposed therein. The power supply 65 can alsodraw power from a battery disposed in portable touch screen device 5(through the internal docking connector 12) in order to recharge thebattery (in power supply 65) and supply power to the circuitry disposedin the clam shell enclosure 1.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a wired connection to the automationsystem 70 is not envisioned. Therefore, during the initial deviceconfiguration and set-up operation, an external computing device (notshown) wirelessly communicates (via the Zigbee gateway 76′) with theprocessor 52 (via the Zigbee interface 64) to load the first and secondapplication components into memory 43. Thereafter, the processor 52controls the USB switch 42 to establish a communication link between theprocessor 52 and the internal docking connector 12. The processor 52then installs the second application component on the touch screendevice 5.

In another embodiment, the processor 52 can control the USB switch 42 toestablish a communication link between the internal docking connector 12and the external USB connector 13. In this configuration, the touchscreen device 5 communicates with an external computing device (notshown). This external computing device installs the second applicationcomponent onto the touch screen device 5. In still another embodiment,the second application component is installed directly onto the touchscreen device 5 by means known to those skilled in the art.

In normal wireless operation/mode (i.e., the enclosure 1 is not disposedin the docking station 2), the enclosure 1 is powered by the powersupply 65. Further, the processor 52 controls the USB switch 42 toestablish the communication link between the processor 52 and the touchscreen device 5 via the internal docking connector 12.

When a user wishes to control a function of a device that is incommunication with the automation system 70, such as muting the audio ofthe home theater 77, for example (see FIG. 4), the user simply pressesthe appropriate hard button 31, 32, 33 that is dedicated to, orprogrammed for, muting the audio.

In one embodiment, the processor 52 executing the first applicationcomponent captures and transmits the digital signal corresponding to themute audio command created by the user pressing the mute hard button(e.g., hard button 31 or 32) to the touch screen device 5 (via theconnector 12). The second application component transmits the mute audiocommand via a wireless communication link (e.g., wireless Wi-Fi gateway76) to the automation system 70, which in turn transmits the mute audiocommand to the home theater 77. Upon receiving the mute audio command,the home theater mutes the audio and transmits a response or statussignal to the automation system 70. The automation system 70 thenwirelessly transmits the response signal to the touch screen device 5via the wireless Wi-Fi gateway 76. The second application componentexecuting on the touch screen device 5 transmits the response signal tothe first application component executing on the processor 52. Theprocessor 52 uses the received response signal to illuminate anindicator light 34 corresponding to audio muting being activated.

In another embodiment, the processor 52 executing the first applicationcomponent captures and transmits the digital signal corresponding to themute audio command directly to the automation system 70 via the Zigbeeinterface 64 and the wireless Zigbee gateway 76′. The automation system70 then transmits the mute audio command to the home theater 77. Uponreceiving the mute audio command, the home theater mutes the audio andtransmits a response or status signal to the automation system 70. Theautomation system 70 then wirelessly transmits the response signal tothe touch screen device 5 via the wireless Zigbee gateway 76′. Thesecond application component executing on the touch screen device 5transmits the response signal to the first application componentexecuting on the processor 52. The processor 52 uses the receivedresponse signal to illuminate an indicator light 34 corresponding toaudio muting being activated.

In still another embodiment, the processor 52 executing the firstapplication component captures and transmits the digital signalcorresponding to the mute audio command directly to the automationsystem 70 via the Zigbee interface 64 and the wireless Zigbee gateway76′. The automation system 70 then transmits the mute audio command tothe home theater 77. Upon receiving the mute audio command, the hometheater mutes the audio and transmits a response or status signal to theautomation system 70. The automation system 70 then wirelessly transmitsthe response signal directly to the processor 52 via the wireless Zigbeegateway 76′ and the Zigbee interface 64. The processor 52 uses thereceived response signal to illuminate an indicator light 34corresponding to audio muting being activated. In this configuration,since controlling the external device does not involve using the touchscreen device 5, the enclosure 1 can control the external device even ifthe touch screen device 5 is turned off.

Referring to FIG. 9, in yet another embodiment, an illustrative blockdiagram of the electronic components disposed in the clam shellenclosure 1 is shown. The electronic components disposed in the clamshell enclosure 1 include a processor 53, an authentication coprocessor41, the memory 43, a power supply 47, the USB connector 13, a Wi-Fiinterface 66 in communication with a Wi-Fi antenna 68, an infrared (IR)interface 67, the external docking connector 22, which includesconnections for Ethernet communication and power, and the internaldocking connector 12, which also includes connections for USBcommunication and power.

The processor 53 includes general purpose input/output (GPIO) interfacesthat are in communication with one or more keypad matrices, which are incommunication with the hard buttons 31, 32, 33. The processor 53 furtherincludes an inter-integrated circuit (I²C) (i.e., a digital bus) incommunication with the authentication coprocessor 41. The processor 53further includes a serial peripheral interface (SPI) in communicationwith the Wi-Fi interface 66 in communication with a Wi-Fi antenna 68.

The processor further includes a universal asynchronousreceiver/transmitter (UART) in communication with the IR interface 67.The infrared (IR) interface 67 is in communication with the IR emitter17 (shown in FIG. 1). In various embodiments, the IR interface 67includes one of IrDA, RC-5, and a proprietary infrared protocol.

The processor 53 still further includes a transmit/receive (TX1/RX1)interface in communication with the touch screen device 5 over a wireddigital interface 731 through the internal docking connector 12. Invarious embodiments, the wired digital interface 731 is one of a CANbus, Ethernet, IEEE-1394 (Firewire), RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, and USB.

The processor 53 still further includes a fast Ethernet channel (FEC) incommunication over the FEC wired connection 431 with the externaldocking connector 22.

The processor 53 is in communication with the indicator lights 34 andthe memory 43 (e.g., RAM, ROM, EPROM). In other embodiments, theprocessor 53 includes an on-board memory. The USB connector 13 is incommunication with the touch screen device 5 via a fourth USB wiredconnection 134 to the internal docking connector 12. The authenticationcoprocessor 41 and the external USB connector 13 both function aspreviously described above with respect to FIG. 7.

The power supply 47 includes a rechargeable battery and a chargingcircuit known to those skilled in the art and supplies power to all thecircuitry disposed in the clam shell enclosure 1. The power supply 47can be recharged via the external docking connector 22 when connected tothe docking station 2. The power supply 47 also allows a chargingcurrent from the docking station 2 (through the external dockingconnector 22) to pass through to the internal docking connector 12 andcharge a battery disposed in the portable touch screen device 5.Further, the power supply 47 can draw power from the battery disposed inportable touch screen device 5 (through the internal docking connector12) in order to supply power to the circuitry disposed in the clam shellenclosure 1.

In one embodiment, during an initial device configuration and set-upoperation, the enclosure 1 is seated in, and in communication with, thedocking station 2. In this configuration, the processor 53 communicateswith an external computing device (not shown) through the dockingconnector 22 and the docking station 2. This external computing deviceinitially loads the first and second application components into memory43. Thereafter, the processor 53 then installs the second applicationcomponent on the touch screen device 5 over the wired digital interface731 via the docking connector 12

In another embodiment, during the initial device configuration andset-up operation, the external computing device (not shown) wirelesslycommunicates with the processor 53 via the Wi-Fi interface 66 to loadthe first and second application components into memory 43. Thereafter,the processor 53 then installs the second application component on thetouch screen device 5 over the wired digital interface 731 via thedocking connector 12.

In still another embodiment, the touch screen device 5 communicates withthe external computing device (not shown) via the external USB connector13 and the docking connector 12. The external computing device installsthe second application component onto the touch screen device 5. In yetanother embodiment, the second application component is installeddirectly onto the touch screen device 5 by means known to those skilledin the art.

In operation, when a user wishes to control a function of a device thatis in communication with the automation system 70, such as muting theaudio of the home theater 77, for example (see FIG. 4), the user simplypresses the appropriate hard button 31, 32, 33 that is dedicated to, orprogrammed for, muting the audio.

In one embodiment, in normal wireless operation/mode, the processor 53executing the first application component captures and transmits thedigital signal corresponding to the mute audio command created by theuser pressing the mute hard button (e.g., hard button 31 or 32) to thesecond application component executing on the touch screen device 5 (viathe wired digital interface and the connector 12). The secondapplication component transmits the mute audio command via a wirelesscommunication link (e.g., wireless Wi-Fi gateway 76) to the automationsystem 70, which in turn transmits the mute audio command to the hometheater 77. Upon receiving the mute audio command, the home theatermutes the audio and transmits a response or status signal to theautomation system 70. The automation system 70 then wirelessly transmitsthe response signal to the touch screen device 5 via the wireless Wi-Figateway 76. The second application component executing on the touchscreen device 5 transmits the response signal to the first applicationcomponent executing on the processor 53. The processor 53 uses thereceived response signal to illuminate an indicator light 34corresponding to audio muting being activated.

In another embodiment, the processor 53 executing the first applicationcomponent captures and transmits the digital signal corresponding to themute audio command directly to the automation system 70 via the Wi-Fiinterface 66 and the wireless Wi-Fi gateway 76. The automation system 70then transmits the mute audio command to the home theater 77. Uponreceiving the mute audio command, the home theater mutes the audio andtransmits a response or status signal to the automation system 70. Theautomation system 70 then wirelessly transmits the response signal tothe touch screen device 5 via the wireless Wi-Fi gateway 76. The secondapplication component executing on the touch screen device 5 transmitsthe response signal to the first application component executing on theprocessor 53. The processor 53 uses the received response signal toilluminate an indicator light 34 corresponding to audio muting beingactivated.

In still another embodiment, the processor 53 executing the firstapplication component captures and transmits the digital signalcorresponding to the mute audio command directly to the automationsystem 70 via the Wi-Fi interface 66 and the wireless Wi-Fi gateway 76.The automation system 70 then transmits the mute audio command to thehome theater 77. Upon receiving the mute audio command, the home theater77 mutes the audio and transmits a response or status signal to theautomation system 70. The automation system 70 then wirelessly transmitsthe response signal directly to the processor 53 via the wireless Wi-Figateway 76 and the Wi-Fi interface 66. The processor 53 uses thereceived response signal to illuminate an indicator light 34corresponding to audio muting being activated. In this configuration,since controlling the external device does not involve using the touchscreen device 5, the enclosure 1 can control the external device even ifthe touch screen device 5 is turned off.

In yet another embodiment, in normal wired operation/mode, the enclosure1 is disposed in the docking station 2 and powered by an external powersupply. In this configuration, the processor 53 executing the firstapplication component bypasses the touch screen device 5 andcommunicates directly with the automation system 70 via the Ethernetconnection on the external docking connector 22. In other words, allcommands from the enclosure 1 are transmitted directly (via the dockingconnector 22) to the automation system 70. Likewise, all responsesignals are transmitted directly to the processor 53. In thisconfiguration, since controlling the external device does not involveusing the touch screen device 5, the enclosure 1 can control theexternal device even if the touch screen device 5 is turned off.

Alternatively, the processor 53 and the touch screen device 5 cancommunicate control and response signals back and forth as describedabove with respect to normal wireless mode.

In still another embodiment, the processor 53 transmits control signalsto the automation system 70 or directly to the individual devices (e.g.,television, DVD player, etc) via the IR interface 67 and IR emitter 17.In this embodiment, response or status signals are received by theprocessor 53 from the controlled devices by the various means describedabove.

As mentioned above, in various embodiments, the enclosure 1 includes oneof IEEE-802.11 (Wi-Fi) and IEEE-802.15.4 (Zigbee) wireless digitalinterfaces in communication with the processor 52, 53. In otherembodiments, the wireless digital interface in communication with theprocessor includes one of IEEE-802.15.1 (Bluetooth), infiNET™, and aproprietary protocol in the ultra high frequency band.

In still other embodiments, the wireless digital interface and/or theinfrared interface 67 provides a communication link between theprocessor in the enclosure 1 and the touch screen device 5.

In yet another embodiment, when the enclosure 1 is seated in, and matedwith, the docking station 2, the docking station 2 is configured fortransmitting streaming media received from an external device to thetouch screen device 5.

In still another embodiment, when the enclosure 1 is seated in, andmated with, the docking station 2, the docking station 2 transmitscontrol signals received from the processor 50, 51, 52, 53 to anexternal device as Cresnet® control signals.

Referring to FIG. 10, in another embodiment, the portable touch screendevice 5 is encased within a circular enclosure 1′ that includesdedicated hard buttons 31′, 32′, 33′. In this embodiment, the portabletouch screen device 5 is envisioned to be a smart phone with a touchscreen.

LIST OF ACRONYMS USED IN THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following is a list of the acronyms used in the specification inalphabetical order.

A amperes

AV audio visual

CAN controller area network (data transfer protocol)

CPU central processing unit

DVD digital video disc

EPROM electronically programmable read only memory

FEC fast Ethernet channel

GPIO general purpose input/output

HVAC heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

I²C inter-integrated circuit (digital bus)

IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

IR infrared

IrDA Infrared Data Association (data protocol)

OFN optical finger navigation

PC personal computer

POE power over Ethernet

RAM random access memory

ROM read only memory

RSI repetitive strain injury

RF4CE Radio Frequency for Consumer Electronics

RX receiver

SEL select

SPI serial peripheral interface

TTL transistor-transistor logic (data transmission voltage level)

TX transmitter

UART universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter

UHF ultra-high frequency

USB Universal Serial Bus

USB-OTG USB on-the-go

V volt

VDC volts, direct current

Alternate Embodiments

Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spiritor the scope of the invention. For example, in alternative embodimentsthe first control button and the second control button may be joysticks.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention is a uniqueportable smart touch screen device disposed in, and in communicationwith, a clam shell enclosure that includes one or more dedicated hardbuttons, processing, and communications.

What is claimed is:
 1. A control system for a portable touch screen device having integral processing capability, the control system comprising: (a) an enclosure configured for encasing the portable touch screen device; (b) an internal docking connector configured for communicatively mating with the portable touch screen device; (c) a plurality of hard buttons, wherein at least one of the hard buttons is functionally configured for use with an application program running on the portable touch screen device; (d) a processor configured for converting button actuations into a digital format; and (e) a first facility for communicating the digital format to the portable touch screen device via the internal docking connector, wherein the application program is configured such that, during operation, the application program communicates a status of the at least one hard button to at least one external device.
 2. The control system of claim 1, wherein the enclosure further comprises a wired digital interface between the processor and the portable touch screen device, and the wired digital interface device is selected from the group consisting of: CAN bus, Ethernet, IEEE-1394 (Firewire), RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, and USB.
 3. The control system of claim 1, further comprising an Ethernet interface.
 4. The control system of claim 1, further comprising a power-over-Ethernet interface, and a power supply deriving electrical power from the POE interface and providing electrical power to the portable touch screen device.
 5. A control system for a portable touch screen device, the control system comprising: (a) an enclosure configured for encasing the portable touch screen device; (b) one or more hard buttons disposed on the enclosure (c) a communication path between the control system and the portable touch screen device, the communication path configured for communicating control information.
 6. The control system of claim 5, further comprising an Ethernet interface
 7. The control system of claim 5, further comprising a power-over-Ethernet (POE) interface, and a power supply deriving electrical power from the POE interface and providing electrical power to the portable touch screen device.
 8. The control system of claim 7, wherein the power-over-Ethernet interface functions as a communication channel between the control system and an external device.
 9. The control system of claim 7, wherein the control system transmits control information to an external device via the power-over-Ethernet interface.
 10. The control system of claim 7, wherein the control system receives feedback information from an external device via the power-over-Ethernet interface.
 11. A control system for a portable touch screen device having integral processing capability, the control system comprising: (a) an enclosure configured for encasing a portable touch screen device, the enclosure comprising a first portion and a second portion; (b) an internal docking connector configured for communicatively mating with the portable touch screen device; (c) at least one hard button functionally configured for use with an application program running on the portable touch screen device; (d) a processor for configured for converting hard button actuations into a digital format; (e) a USB wired connection between the processor and the docking connector; and (f) an Ethernet interface.
 12. The control system of claim 11, wherein the application program provides a user with control functions related home and office equipment, and status indications related to the home and office equipment.
 13. The control system of claim 11, further comprising a mounting stand configured for supporting and connectively mating with the enclosure, wherein the mounting stand is further configured for communicating information received from the control system to an external device as Cresnet control signals.
 14. The control system of claim 11, further comprising a mounting stand configured for supporting and connectively mating with the enclosure, wherein the mounting stand is further configured for communicating streaming media received from an external device to the portable touch screen device.
 15. The control system of claim 11 wherein the Ethernet interface comprises a power-over-Ethernet interface. 